Earth Day 2007: Alive and kicking

It's been 37 years since forward-thinking Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson designated April 22 the first Earth Day. What began as a grassroots effort to open American's eyes to environmental concerns has blossomed into a full-fledged holiday celebrated by millions around the globe. Though hybrid cars have replaced leaded gas guzzlers and blue recycling bins line neighborhood curbsides, we still have long way to go in reducing our impact on Earth. Let Earth Day 2007 boost your lifelong commitment to eco-consciousness. Here's a peek at some exciting planet-friendly events happening around the nation.

Veggie Bus Tour What has a mammoth skylight, bamboo siding, and a tank full of recycled vegetable oil? The Veggie Bus! Conscious Goods Alliance teamed with Delicious Living to debut this four-wheeled ecological showroom at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California on March 8. The bus will visit dozens of schools, universities, and farmers’ markets and more than 200 organic retailers in 50 cities to promote healthy, conscious lifestyle choices before capping its tour in San Diego on Earth Day.www.consciousgoodsalliance.com

Organic Endurathon Eco Lips Organic Lip Balm founder Steve Shriver will knock out 10 marathons in 10 days—fueled by 100 percent organic food and beverages and wearing all organic clothing. The 34-year-old Iowa native will take off from Ames on April 12 and pound 260 miles of pavement before reaching Iowa City on April 22. Shriver and his crew will stop along the course to educate people on sustainability, organics, and resource management.www.organicendurathon.com

Stomp Out Carbon Who better to get excited about Earth Day than the youngsters who'll inherit the planet? The Smithsonian's National Zoo invites children ages six to 14 to send in ideas on how to minimize waste and conserve resources. Two winners and their families will score airfare to Washington, D.C., a two-night hotel stay, and a VIP tour of the Zoo's new Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat and Asia Trail exhibit. Contest runs through April 30.www.fonz.org/earthday.htm

Earth Day New York They're thinking big in the Big Apple! Earth Day New York's free week-long festival includes EarthFair Inside, a sprawling educational expo in Grand Central Station; EarthFair Outside, a celebration of music, community, and activism; and Giant Earth Images, a larger-than-life slide show illuminating Grand Central's ceiling.www.earthdayny.org

Chicago Park District Earth Day Celebration Chicagoans will flock to over 50 city parks and beaches on April 21 to take part in a mass clean-up effort. After collecting trash, mulching, and weeding, volunteers will gather at Humboldt Park Boathouse to take a load off and celebrate community spirit and the beautiful planet.www.chicagoparkdistrict.com